CILA Update

Available in 3 languages

Note from the Coordinator

The CILA team has been busy! In the fall, we reviewed 22(!) applications for the Global Library Investment Grant. The awardees and their projects are announced below. Over winter, the team has worked to update and expand the CILA LibGuide. Finally, we’ve conducted a survey and discussed the feasibility of assembling a task force to update the Librarian’s Manual (2007). Watch the ACL listserv for an invitation to get involved.

Also in this newsletter are brief accounts of three ACL members who have provided trainings internationally. As below, INTLIG is holding a special meeting on how to plan and provide these kinds of trainings. CILA has a deep history of both offering and supporting international library trainings. Determining how best to continue to do so is high on CILA’s ever-growing agenda.

David Stevick
CILA Coordinator

CILA Updates

Announcing the 2025 Global Library Investment Grant Winners

We are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025 Global Library Investment Grants. These awards reflect CILA’s ongoing commitment to strengthening libraries through strategic investment in training, collections, and technology support.

Jeffrey Sootheran, Grace International School, Thailand has been awarded $2,000 in the In-person Training and Support category. This funding will support a hands-on workshop designed to strengthen library services within his school community. We have also encouraged Jeffrey to explore a potential partnership with an ACL member in Canada or the United States who has experience in K-12 librarianship and may be willing to collaborate in planning and supporting this training opportunity.

Jean William Pierre, Emmaus University, Haiti has been awarded $6,000, distributed across two categories: $3,000 for Collection Development to support book acquisitions and $3,000 for Technology Support to fund laptops, printers, routers, and other essential hardware. This combined award will significantly strengthen both the print collection and the technological infrastructure of the university library, expanding access to resources for students and faculty.

We look forward to seeing how these investments strengthen library services and create lasting impact within their respective communities.

International Librarians Interest Group Update

The International Librarians Interest Group (INTLIG) continues to support international librarians and encourage library development around the world.

Georgi Bordner has been assisting a school in Guatemala with organizing its library and improving catalog records. She recently returned from a trip where she provided in-person training for library staff in cataloging practices and in using their new Mandarin library system. The Spanish edition of The Librarian’s Manual served as the foundation for her training sessions.

Sharon Bull and Erin McCoy recently traveled to Argentina to train four librarians in the use of OPALS and EBSCO eBooks. They were encouraged by the group’s eagerness to learn and their growing confidence as they developed new skills.

If you are interested in participating in trips like these, we would love for you to join us. INTLIG will meet on April 20 at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time (New York). To confirm the correct time in your region, please use a global time converter. We will also send a reminder on WhatsApp one to two hours before the meeting.

Our next International Interest Group meet-up will be held on April 29 at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time (New York).

We welcome anyone with a heart for international librarianship to be part of this growing community.

Commission for International Library Advancement

International Organization Highlight

4 the World Resource Distributors

4 the World Resource Distributors (4WRD) is committed to strengthening evangelical educational outcomes and enhancing library effectiveness worldwide. Their work includes evaluating library processes, providing staff development, assessing student use, recommending and supplying resources, and fostering meaningful professional connections.

In addition to consulting and training, 4WRD donates both new and used books to international Christian libraries. They offer library training through on-site visits as well as long-distance support, helping institutions build sustainable and effective library services.

4WRD welcomes individuals and organizations who are interested in partnering through financial support, prayer, or participation in training visits. To learn more about their work and ways to get involved, please visit their website.

Meet A Member

What is your name? Gary Flokstra

What is the name of your organization? Co-founder and co-director of 4 the World Resource Distributors

Where is your library located? Springfield Missouri, USA

What type of library do you work in? Non-profit ministry that enhances theological education by strengthening theological libraries

How long have you been a librarian? I served as a head librarian for 11 years

What is your primary library role? A resource for many theological libraries

What do you love most about your library role? Helping get resources to libraries in the majority world

What challenges do you face in doing your job as an international librarian? More need than funding

What resources and services have you provided when you’ve worked with international libraries? Visited, helped train, answered questions via email, shipped resources, etc.

November 2025

November 6, 2025 CILA Update

Available in 3 languages

Note from the Coordinator

The CILA team members encouraged me as the new Coordinator to introduce myself. For my day job, I’m the director of the Houghton University Library in New York, a school with a long history of preparing students for international service. My most significant cross-cultural experience was gained in native North America; I had the privilege of serving for six years at Diné College on the Navajo Nation. As a bilagáana (“Anglo”), my days were blessed with cultural and linguistic learning opportunities. My most relevant international experience consists of having provided training and consulting services for a Christian university library in Haiti—again, a blessing to be part of their story.

My wife and I are rich with four children—two grown, one at university, and one still at home. My hobbies include languages, martial arts, making music, and mountain biking. And, yes, I enjoy reading widely.

I’m excited and energized by CILA’s mission of supporting international libraries at Christian institutions, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of empowering their important work. Some hopes that I have for CILA in the coming year include convening a team to in some form update the English edition (2007) of the Librarian’s Manual, fundraising to expand the impact of the Global Library Investment Grant, and developing a contemporary model for the service and training trips that have been so important to CILA’s mission. I and the CILA team crave your prayers as we seek to steward the responsibilities that we’ve been given.

David Stevick
CILA Coordinator

CILA Updates

2024 Global Library Investment Grant Winners – Where are they now?

Saint Andrew’s Theological Seminary – Charlotte S. Tad-awan, Quezon City, Philippines

Awarded a grant for technology support: upgrading their Library Management System to a cloud-based platform, Saint Andrew’s has made significant progress. With support from Onstrike Library Solutions, the library:

Updated their management system to a web-based platform
Purchased an additional e-book reader
Provided four hours of staff training funded by the grant

As a result, library patrons now enjoy improved accessibility, able to search the catalog and manage their accounts from anywhere with internet access. Staff efficiency in technical services has also increased.

To sustain these gains, the library plans to prioritize regular system updates, ongoing staff training, and continuous monitoring of system performance. Using analytics and staff feedback, technical workflows will be optimized, and up-to-date documentation maintained to ensure long-term efficiency and readiness for future advancements.

Elizabeth & Leslie — Leslie Starasta & Dr. Elizabeth Malabanan

Mortenson Center for International Library Programs (University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign)

Peggy Nzomo received a matching grant for an international librarian (Dr. Elizabeth Malabanan; University of Perpetual Help System, Languna, Phillipines) to attend a unique professional development opportunity through the Mortenson Center. The grant funded Dr. Malabanan’s participation in a one-month training associates program, where she:

Received hands-on training and visited U.S. libraries
Networked and formed collaborations with U.S. and international librarians
Applied her learning in the Philippines and continued collaborations with U.S. colleagues
Invited U.S. librarians to speak at the Philippine Librarians Association, Inc. (PLAI)

This grant has not only expanded her professional growth but has also strengthened international library collaborations and knowledge sharing.

New CILA Leadership Team Additions

CILA is pleased to welcome two new leadership team members!

Jenny Eason, Member Services Coordinator for the Northeast Florida Library Information Network, has joined as Grants Developer,

Justin Lilliard, Director of the E. Allen Gordon Library of the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton, has joined as a Resource Developer.

International Librarians Interest Group Update

Our International Librarians Interest Group (INTLIG) recently held a wonderful meeting where members shared prayer requests and offered support on various projects. It’s always inspiring to see how librarians around the world collaborate and encourage one another.

Our next meeting is planned for late January or early February. We invite you to look for full details as the date approaches in emails from the INTLIG. These gatherings are a great opportunity to learn what librarians are doing internationally while offering prayer, encouragement, and support.

Don’t miss out—come join us!

Commission for International Library Advancement

International Organization Highlight

Mortenson Center for International Library Programs – University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The Mortenson Center for International Library Programs works to strengthen international connections among libraries and librarians, promoting global education, understanding, and peace.

A key initiative of the Center is the Mortenson Associates Program, an annual one-month professional training program that invites librarians and information professionals from outside the United States to come to the U.S. During the program, participants explore critical issues and trends in the library field, engage with U.S. librarians implementing innovative programs and services, and build lasting professional connections across countries. This experience fosters international collaboration and knowledge sharing, equipping participants to bring new insights and practices back to their home institutions.

Meet A Member

What is your name? Nomsa N. Mathabela

Where is your library located? Eswatini (Swaziland)

What type of library do you work in? Academic – Liberal Arts

How long have you been a librarian? 20 years

What is your primary library role? Reader’s Services Librarian

What do you love most about your library role? I love dealing with the whole clientele in different aspects.

What challenges do you face in doing your job as an international librarian? Providing resources to users

What are some low-budget or free resources you use in your library? free OPEN ACCESS Electronic resources

International Membership Scholarship

The International Member Scholarship was established by CILA so that membership dues would not be a hindrance to international librarians joining ACL. The scholarship covers membership dues for the enrolling membership year. Scholarships are awarded on a “first-come, first-served” basis, with up to 25 scholarships awarded per year.

Eligibility:

The applicant must be a practicing librarian (full-time or part-time) in academia outside of the United States and Canada, making the equivalent of under $10,000 USD annually.
The applicant agrees to support the Purpose of ACL and understands and upholds the identity of the Association as expressed in the Statement of Faith.

Scholarship Covers:
✔ Individual membership dues for the 2026 membership year.

To apply: Submit International Scholarship Membership Application

January 2025

January 29, 2025 CILA Update

Available in 3 languages

Note from the Coordinator

Happy New Year to one and all! It is a joy, as always, to be a part of ACL and this amazing CILA team. The fall is perhaps my favorite time of the year for CILA work, because the team reviews all the applications for the Global Library Investment Grant. While it is always difficult to allocate our finite funds, it is so encouraging to see the amazing work that is being done around the world by faithful librarians and educators. Whether it is setting up an ILS, pursuing professional development, or updating a library collection, it all helps move God’s kingdom forward in knowledge and witness as we equip our students and the communities we serve. This newsletter highlights the projects that were chosen for this year. Additionally, there are opportunities to be involved that the team is excited to share. Enjoy learning about your fellow members and the work of ACL.

Peace and blessings to each of you in this season.

Erin McCoy
CILA Coordinator

What's Happening in CILA?

Openings on the CILA Leadership Team

Are you passionate about making an impact on a global scale? CILA is excited to announce two openings for Global Members-at-Large on our Leadership Team!

The Global Member-at-Large is a vital part of the team, contributing broadly without a predefined role. These team members will bring diverse insights, ensuring our decisions are inclusive and well-rounded. They will play a key role in shaping CILA’s initiatives by offering valuable input, expertise, and perspectives.

Duties include:

Active participation in virtual team meetings via Zoom and email.
Engagement in the International Interest Group listserv and Zoom meetings.
Collaboration with team members to achieve goals and meet deadlines for projects such as:
- Quarterly newsletter
- Grant application review
- Resource promotion

How to Apply:
Please create a paragraph- 500 words max- illustrating your library experience, your involvement with ACL or another library organization, and what skills you believe you can contribute to the team, based on the above list. Email Erin McCoy at [email protected] directly with your application. In the subject line put “CILA Volunteer Inquiry”. Contact Kristina Claunch, ACL Volunteer Coordinator, with any additional questions.

Congratulations to the 2024 Global Library Investment Grant Recipients

Ghana Christian University College – Esther Tawiah
Ghana, Africa
For print-based collection development
Tavriski Christian Institute – Nick Gorodetski
Ukraine
Replacement of library technology equipment
Lesotho College Education – Monica Letsoha
Lesotho, Africa
Professional development

International Librarians Special Interest Group Update

The goal of this interest group is to try to meet every other month on Zoom, alternating times and hosts to accommodate all the time zones represented. We will discuss the issues unique to overseas libraries as well as ways to share our expertise and resources with each other. If you have a heart for international libraries or live in a country outside the US, please join our group.

CALA – Christian Association of Librarians in Africa

International Organization Highlight

CALA-K is an acronym for Christian Association of Librarians in Africa. They have a vision similar to ours, they seek to empower Christian librarians through professional development, scholarship, and spiritual encouragement for service in higher education and society in Africa. In the past, ACL has sent librarians to offer training locally and they have sent people to the ACL conference.

We have people helping present at their CALA online conference. If more people are interested we could use another co-presenter or an additional presentation on Zoom.

Meet A Member

What is your name? Lilian Jeptoo

Where is your library located? Nairobi, Kenya

What type of library do you work in? Academic – Liberal Arts

How long have you been a librarian? 8+ years

What is your primary library role? Reference and circulation librarian

What do you love most about your library role? Engagement and student success

What challenges do you face in doing your job as an international librarian? Subscriptions and funding

What are some low-budget or free resources you use in your library? Google Scholar and Kenya Law online databases

APPLY FOR SPIDELL SCHOLARSHIP

Dorothy Spidell Conference Scholarship – Now Open!

The Dorothy Spidell Conference Scholarship provides financial assistance for international ACL members (outside the U.S. & Canada) to attend the 2025 ACL Annual Conference at Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, Idaho (June 1–4, 2025).

Eligibility: Applicants must be 2025 ACL members, practicing academic librarians (full or part-time), or full-time MLIS students.

Scholarship Covers:
✔ Conference registration (On-campus Double Occupancy Package)
✔ Up to $150 per day for incidental travel costs on arrival & departure days (i.e. Transportation from the airport to the conference site, meals on travel days, tips/gratuities)

Applicants are responsible to secure funding for airline tickets.

Application Deadline: March 10, 2025
Recipients will be notified by March 20, 2025.

May 2024

May 2, 2024 CILA Update

The spring season is funny in New England. We tend to have long, gray, winters that are quite dreary. Then in April, we start to see little crocuses bravely pop their heads out of the ground and hear cardinals whistling for their families and sometimes we can even have the windows open during the day to air out the house—but we can’t put away the flannel sheets because snow has happened in April before! But within one week of 50-degree weather and sunshine, the daffodils, dogwoods, and songbirds erupt into full springtime mode. It’s very sudden, and doesn’t last long, but is always worth the wait.

CILA has been in a similar pattern—there have been seeds planted and germinating and now sprouting and coming to fruition. You’ll see in this update that a new CILA team has solidified their roles, an interest group has formed for international librarians and allies, and the Global Library Investment Grant continues to support work around the world. The seasonal nature of our work has never been more evident to me, and I am grateful for the prayers of the ACL members, an active group of global librarians who are eager to connect, and the support of the Home Office in managing the unique issues that arise with the variety of inquiries we receive. I hope you are encouraged as you read a summary of our global activities.

Peace and blessings to you all,
Erin McCoy
CILA Coordinator

New! International Librarians Special Interest Group

The goal of this new interest group is to try to meet every other month on Zoom, alternating times and hosts to accommodate all the time zones represented. We will discuss the issues unique to overseas libraries as well as ways to share our expertise and resources with each other. If you have a heart for international libraries or live in a country outside the US please join our group.

Commission for International Library Advancement

Koha is a fully featured, scalable open source library management system. Development is sponsored by libraries of varying types and sizes, volunteers, and support companies worldwide. You can find several SQL reports wiki, Jquery wiki, HTML & CSS wiki, and XSLT Library wiki which as code you can copy to make improvements you can add to your installation.

Koha-US promotes the ongoing communication, collaboration, and education of Koha users in the United States and beyond, partnering with the global community and supporting organizations. They have monthly Special Interest Group meetings as well as several resources to help you learn more about Koha. Reach out to Lauren Denny if you have questions or visit the KohaUS Learn Page for more Koha tools: https://koha-us.org/learn/.

23 International Members